Despite what people believe about happy endings, whether they think they’re the paragon of a good series or trite and boring, they can be done well. They have come to be what we expect in all stories, even if they are poorly written. As we now arrive at the point leading to ACCA’s conclusion, it is difficult to know what the next two episodes will look like. There are still mysteries out there, and the odds are just as uncertain as ever. When the finale comes, will it be worth it?
Episode 10 is the first in a while to focus on a district, Pranetta, and it may be the last. I was glad for this, as this may be the last “normal” episode of the series. Pranetta, as the poorest district, was initially not going to join the coup, however, when they realized that their future might depend on ACCA staying in charge, they conceded. It is a heavy reminder that this story is not just about Jean, but a country. If the coup goes badly, they all could suffer the consequences.
Jean, too, has something to lose. With the nonchalant attitude he displayed earlier in the series, it is a little surprising that he so quickly accepted that the future of the nation depends on him. Perhaps it is because he understands the consequences for so many if he were to walk away. He has spent his entire life living among the common people and has seen every district, making him the ideal integrated, well-traveled leader his mother aspired to be. He is getting into quite a mess, and has probably already figured out that he is being used. Even though he knows this could change his life forever, he has made the decision to accept the throne as the people offer it to him, because he trusts their decision to let him lead their country.
We cannot trust someone else without giving something up, if only our control. Sacrifices must be made. Just as Jesus told his disciples to count the cost of entrusting their lives to him, he also counted the cost of his sacrifice himself, and considered it worth it. In our own lives, even if we avoid such difficult decisions, they are inevitable. What are we willing to give up? What changes are we willing to risk? Because we can’t truly live life without trusting others, and life is always changing, so we must decide to make our choices, for better or worse. Just as Jean reassured the people of Pranetta they could rely on him, so Jesus urges us to surrender our control and look to him to guide our lives.
I am excited but nervous about the ending. So far, ACCA has been very good, mostly because it’s managed to get away with an impressive amount of vagueness for ten episodes while still carrying an interesting, coherent story. But telling a story like that and ending it are two completely different things, so I can only hope for the best. Speaking of which, I’m worried Nino may have been captured or otherwise punished because he told Jean the truth. There’s a real sense of foreboding, and I will not be surprised at all if everything goes badly from here.
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